Customer Reviews

December (Rpkg)

5 star:		(37)
4 star:		(11)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I love Christmas music. My wife complains about storing all my CDs for 11 1/2 months out of the year [yes I wait until well after Thanksgiving]. There are times during this season, often in the late evening, when I want to listen to Christmas jazz that doesn't try too hard to prove it's really jazz [and not just Christmas schmaltz] but which is still different enough to give me a break from the Christmas music that I am playing almost non-stop [as I start late, I feel it's perfectly justifiable to listen in excess]. That's when this album really comes into its own. Christmas with a dash of bluesy melancholy [and who doesn't have the occasional melancholy moment sometime during the season?].
Dave Koz and Kenny G have a wonderful Christmas sound that doesn't try too hard; great with a glass of wine. When I want a bit more jazz and a wee bit less Christmas, I go with this album. Mix a bit of melancholy with some wonderful Christmas tunes and a very talented trumpeter - presto!; you have the perfect album to have with a second glass of wine. Should the Christmas spirit convince you that a third glass is in order, you can always follow with Chet Baker!

Chris Botti's sound is nothing short of amazing. His pure and warm tone produces a delectably soothing feeling. Yes, I know that this cd is basically just a remake of his last Christmas album but they have added two fantastic pieces of music to this album. They are Schubert's "Ave Maria" and "I Really Don't Want Much for Christmas (featuring Eric Benét)".

First, "Ave Maria" is performed with a wonderful arrangement. You know how during Christmas you go into cathedrals or traditional churches and you hear the choir singing beautiful hymns, which are so touching and heartfelt? Well, this is what this arrangement is like. Chris Botti is backed up by a wonderful choir (St. Jon's Choir) and the London Session Orchestra. Truly, the feeling is transcendent as the choir sings warmly in the background and the trumpet voice just soars in the graceful melodic lines (by soar, I mean a beautiful melody coming out, not blasting high notes). This performance is simply gorgeous.

"I Really Don't Want Much for Christmas" is another beautiful tune. The vocals are a nice addition and Chris just seems to be able to play so well with another musician. This is a very gentle song and draws out the feelings in my heart. I believe that this song will truly touch the hearts of listeners because the song is expressing our desire to be with our loved ones. This song allows us to slow down in the midst of our busy year and really reflect and realize that we should cherish being with our loved ones.

All the other tracks are amazing and Chris Botti produces a splendid and lush atmosphere with his moving playing. There is variety in the style as there are faster, lighthearted arrangements alongside slow, lush arrangements. Personally, I am a classical lover and I love the glory that brass instruments attain during Christmas with playing in the brilliant high register. Amazingly, Chris Botti still moves me without having to play such brilliant, high notes. His beautiful tone is already more than enough.

Without a doubt, this will be one of the most played Christmas offerings this year and probably for years to come. I'll leave it to those who feel they must to make comparisons of Mr. Botti to the likes of Marsalis, Davis, even Clark Terry and others; this CD stands alone in originality and artistry. The "Silent Night" track alone is worth the purchase but every track offers sensitivity, creativity and achievements in the art of ensemble only envied by most groups. Frankly, I'd give it six stars and thank Chris Botti for his gift to us all.

Chris Botti's combination of smokey jazz and the christmas spirit is brought togehter like no other trumpet player I've heard. It's hard to believe, but I only heard of Mr. Botti's music last year. Ever since, I have practically purchased all his albums, simply because he has that wonderful smooth relaxing sound that calms my spirit. In "December" he holds true to this same style. Creating an environment where you feel the joy of Christmas, inviting your spirit to rest in the 'Christmas Song', 'Perfect Day', and 'Silent Night', to mention a few. This album is so inspirational, that I'm listening to it in July, over and over again. I look forward to more beautiful music from Mr. Botti.

From the second you start to listen to this CD you will hear Chris Botti's signature style. He just makes you feel so content and alive when you listen to his music.

These Christmas tunes have a totally different feel and sound. They are smokey, jazzy, compelling and beautiful. Christmas is not usually my favorite time of year, however, this CD will make me enjoy the season more. The spirit of these songs reach out and touch you. Botti is no light weight.

BUY YOURSELF A GREAT GIFT. You owe it to yourself.

HAPPY DECEMBER!

From the haunting beauty of "Hallelujah" to his signature trumpet riffs in "Winter Wonderland", Chris Botti delivers these holiday classics in a style that is sure to make Santa himself pause and reflect, while leaving him shimmying in his boots. So put another log on the fire, spike the eggnog, and wrap yourself up in the gift that is "December".

This is a must-have for your Christmas CD Collection. Chris Botti's Trumpet playing is better than ever. This Album is put together well and has a great choice of Music. Playing this CD during a Christmas Dinner Party helped create that special Holiday ambience. The Music is never overwhelming and sets the right Mood. Playing "December~Chris Botti" as background Music will make everyone feel the Spirit of Christmas.

Because I can't stand the inane chatter of morning radio DJ's, I'll put on a CD as I'm getting ready to go to work. I teach at a high school for troubled teens, so the CD's I listen to are very particular--they can't be filled with words (because my day is filled with non-stop chattering, cursing teens), can't have the kind of beat that gets stuck in your mind all day, nothing sleepy and finally nothing that will encourage depression. To find a beautiful, instrumental recording that meets all these tough criteria plus is just gorgeous, warm music is a treasure. This great recording has tunes arranged smartly enough that it wouldn't feel unwelcome or off-season any time during the winter months.

"At no other time of the year is there a wider array of emotions than the month of December. As I considered material and arrangements for this recording I wanted to assure myself that in each instance the songs reach out to the joys and reflections of the season. I wish you all the best in all your Decembers." ~ Chris Botti ~

December. We're on the last month of the year. It's the time of the year again when people tend to become busier than ever. Time flies so quickly. Where did January thru November go? But anyway, December is truly without a doubt my favorite month of the year. To me, it brings so many cherished, fond and warm family memories to have and to hold year after year.

It was such a pleasure to be with my friends at Chris Botti's live concert last night at the Wilshire Theatre with his special guests. It was a terrific and enjoyable concert. A dream concert! To any fan, the ultimate and best thing is watching him perform live and see and hear before your very own eyes and ears how exquisitely he played his favorite instrument and interpreted some of the hauntingly beautiful classics of all-time.

This outstanding CD is one of my absolute favorite Christmas CDs from my collection. You'll enjoy listening to thirteen Christmas classics of all-time with arrangements by the artist himself and Billy Childs. You'll be delighted with the fabulous, breathtaking and sublime interpretations of "The Christmas Song," "O Little Town of Bethlemen," "Silent Night," "I'll Be Home For Christmas" and "Hark The Herald Angels Sing," a twosome with Hector Pereira on guitar (wow, trumpet and guitar - what a perfect combination!). And of course my very favorite from this collection of wonderful Christmas carols, "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" showcasing Mr. Botti's smooth and mellow vocals.

"Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas"
~ Words and Music by Hugh Martin & Ralph Blane ~

Have yourself a merry little Christmas
Let your heart be light
From now on our troubles will be out of sight
Have yourself a merry little Christmas
Make the Yuletide gay
From now on our troubles will be miles away

Here we are as in olden days
Happy golden days of yore
Faithful friends who are dear to us
Gather near to us once more
Thru the years we all will be together
If the fates allow
Hang a shining star upon the highest bow
And have yourself a merry little Christmas now.

May this Christmas Season bring more joy, peace and blessings to one and all. Have the happiest Holidays ever!

Christmas is my favorite time of the year. I love smooth jazz. I love Christmas music and I love the music of Chris Botti.
This one terrific cd to own. All the way through there is the signature stylings of Mr. Botti.
His smooth sound, the sweet melodies and the new and enchanting way to here some of my favorite Christmas music.
If I was to make a list of my favorite Christmas cds they would include: Amy Grant's HOME FOR CHRISTMAS, Glenn Miller's IN THE CHRISTMAS MOOD (I & II), Olivia Newton-John's THE CHRISTMAS COLLECTION, Jim Brickman's THE GIFT, Martina McBride's WHITE CHRISTMAS, Gloria Estefan's CHRISTMAS THROUGH YOUR EYES and Chris Botti's DECEMBER.